However, Deputy first minister John Swinney argued the financial settlement would enable councils to increase the pace of reform and improve public services.

He said: ‘The Scottish Government was elected on a promise to freeze the council tax while we consider ways to replace it with a fairer system. That is the correct approach to take to provide support to household incomes in these challenging financial times.

‘My priority all along has been to deliver a financial settlement that councils can accept in order that we can pursue our shared priorities to improve outcomes for local people through health and social care integration and by improving educational attainment.’

In light of the recent headlines on councils’ £6bn-plus property 'spending spree', and recent criticism of advertising on council websites, Lloyd Clark asks why councils are still criticised for trying to raise revenue.

This position will focus primarily upon working with children between the ages of 0-10 who have been looked after by the local authority for a significant period (20 weeks or longer), and where following careful assessment by the allocated social worker,
England, Essex, Chelmsford

NVQ Level 3 - Caring for Children and Young People or equivalent qualification or work-based experience.
* Experience/Knowledge/Interest in the Solution Focused approach.
England, Essex, Chelmsford

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Public Property

This issue of Public Property examines how how flexible workspaces can lead the way in regeneration for local authorities, Why local authority intervention is key to successful urban regeneration schemes and if the Government’s challenge of embracing beauty is an opportunity for communities.

The March issue also takes a closer look at Blackburn with Darwen Council's first digital health hub to help people gain control over health and care services.